Events and activities
We understand that on top of your studies, it is important to take part in extra activities to relax, enjoy yourself and meet new people. The Resi Life team runs events and activities for students in halls to take part in.
All of the events on this calendar are optional - you can choose to attend as many as you like in the free time around your course induction and classes. This calendar will continue to be updated with more events and details throughout the year - please note, some events may be subject to change.
Sunday 19 January: Big night in
In collaboration with Brookes Sport and ISAT, we are excited to welcome students to Oxford Brookes! Whether you're a new face or a familiar one, come together with friends for an afternoon/evening filled with fun, games, and sports.
It is an evening of arts and crafts, lots of games, bingo, prizes to win and turn up and play basketball. A brilliant opportunity to meet new people and have some fun!
Booking: the event is free, just turn up!
Location: Sports Hall, Brookes Centre for Sport, Headington Campus
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
Monday 20 January: Welcome hall tours
A guided welcome tour around Clive Booth Student Village, Crescent Hall and Paul Kent Hall for new students moving in this January. Get to know the hall team, explore our facilities, and connect with your International Student Advice Team!
- Crescent Hall Tour - 9.30am
- Paul Kent Hall Tour - 10.30am
- Clive Booth Student Village Tour - 3.15pm.
Spaces are limited so please sign up to a tour before attending.
Tuesday 21 January: International student welcome quiz
In collaboration with the International Student Advice Team, it's time to relax and make friends! Join us for a quiz (with food and prizes) in the Terrace. The event is free of charge.
More information is available online on the Activities for new arrivals webpage.
Location: The Terrace, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Friday 24 January: Trash talk and quiz night
Are you curious about how you can reduce waste and live more sustainably in your Hall of Residence? Come along to our waste management workshop & quiz night!
Whether you’re a green guru or just want to sort out your recycling game, this event is packed with tips, laughs, and a dash of friendly competition.
Location: Snow Room, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus
Time: 3.00pm to 4.30pm
Sunday 26 January: Refresher's big night in
Brookes Residences, in collaboration with Brookes Union, Brookes Sport and ISAT are excited to welcome new and returning students back to Oxford Brookes. Join us for an evening of games, arts & craft activities, and table tennis.
And the best part is that it’s absolutely free!
This is the perfect opportunity to head to campus and meet new people, plus find out more about what Refreshers’ Week has to offer.
Location: Brookes Union Hall, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
Monday 27 January - Thursday 30 January: Security x Residences roadshow
Join us for our Halls Security Roadshow!
Our Brookes Security team will share essential safety tips, plus, don't miss out on their freebies and giveaways!
- Monday 27 January - Clive Booth Student Village - 12.30pm to 2.30pm
- Tuesday 28 January - Crescent Hall - 12.30pm to 2.00pm
- Tuesday 28 January - Paul Kent Hall - 2.15pm to 3.30pm
- Wednesday 29 January - Warneford Hall - 12.30pm to 2.30pm
- Thursday 30 January - Westminster Hall - 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
Tuesday 4 February: Replenish: kimchi workshop
Join the Resi Life team, Brookes Sustainability and Replenish to make kimchi!
Learn the art of making this dish, guided by an instructor. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a total beginner, this workshop is a perfect opportunity to explore flavours, discover new ways of using food and have fun!
Spaces are limited, so make sure to book your ticket early!
Food, jars and all equipment will be provided
Session Times: 5.00pm to 6.00pm, 6.00pm to 7.00pm.
Cost: £2 per person
Wednesday 5 February: Oxunboxed
Oxunboxed is a non-profit refill shop based in Oxford's Covered Market.
Bring your own containers or get free reusable glass jars on-site to stock up on affordable, eco-friendly products like pasta, rice, spices, chocolate and more!
Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Location: Crescent Hall
Thursday 6 February: Clothes swap
Tired of your current wardrobe and on a budget? Revamp your wardrobe sustainably with our Clothes Swap Event!
Bring your preloved clothes or shoes in good condition and exchange them for "new-to-you" items. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your style and socialise with others.
How it works:
- bring items with you on the day or the day
- browse the stalls for pre-loved clothing you might like
- when you have found something, simply swap your item and take your new-to-you clothing home!
Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Location: Clive Booth Student Village
Monday 10 February - Thursday 13 February: Wellbeing x Residences roadshow
Join us for our Halls Wellbeing Roadshow!
Our Brookes Welfare team will be in the halls sharing helpful tips, contacts, plus, don't miss out on freebies!
- Monday 10 February - Clive Booth Student Village - 12.00pm to 2.00pm
- Tuesday 11 February - Westminster Hall - 12.30pm to 2.30pm
- Wednesday 12 February - Cheney Student Village - 12.00pm to 2.00pm
- Thursday 13 February - Warneford Hall - 8.30am to 10.30am
- Thursday 13 February - Crescent Hall - 12.00pm to 1.15pm
- Thursday 13 February - Paul Kent Hall - 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
Monday 17 February - Thursday 20 February: Crockery and glass painting workshop
Are you tired of your plain crockery and glassware? Add a touch of art to your everyday items in our painting workshop.
Get creative and try something new!
- Tuesday 18 February - Clive Booth Student Village - 5.00pm to 6.30pm
- Wednesday 19 February - Paul Kent Hall - 6.00pm to 7.30pm
- Thursday 20 February - Westminster Hall - 6.00pm to 7.30pm.
Bingo
Bingo Night - fun and prizes with your Resi Life Team.
Big Night In
The Big Night is one of our most popular events.
Resi Life, Brookes Sport, Brookes Student Union and ISAT join for a night of fun, socialising, games and activities.
The event is a great way to meet up with friends old and new and have a bit of fun! Activities include:
- spin the wheel
- hook-a-duck
- selfie stations
- crafts
- giant games
- prizes
Board Game Nights
Enjoy a relaxed evening of fun and friendly competition at a Board Games Night!
Brookes Fiesta
Brookes Fiesta End of Year Party to see out the end of the year with a bang!
- Casino with ‘fun money’
- Live music
- Bucking bronco
- Ice cream van
- Mini golf
- Face painting
- And lots more!
Crafternoon Sessions
Bug hotels, Stained glass lanterns, Flowerpots, Positivity Pebbles and more.
Easter Egg Hunt
Free Easter eggs available and for those feeling adventurous, hunt to find one of 10 special eggs hidden around your hall of residence.
Film Nights
Fantastic free themed on campus film viewings.
Entry is free and film titles are emailed to students in advance.
Colour Run
Resi Life, Brookes Sport, Brookes Union and ISAT collaborate to host a Colour Run at Harcourt Hill.
Whether you run, jog or walk, it's a great opportunity to get outside and be active as a social event with your friends or to celebrate Holi. Powdered paint will be provided for the event - all we ask is for you to bring and wear a plain a white t-shirt to get the full colour run experience!
Pancake Day Instagram Competition
Join in on our annual Instagram pancake competition! For a chance to win a heavenly hamper of goodies, all you need to do is tag @brookesresidences in your pancake creation on Instagram. Competition dates for each year will be released here on our website and on Instagram.
Pizza Events
Enjoy a fun-filled Pizza Night and indulge in a variety of delicious pizzas while enjoying an evening packed with exciting games and activities.
Positivi-trees
To support and raise awareness for University Mental Health Day, Positivi-Trees were delivered to Clive Booth, Crescent, Paul Kent, Warneford and Westminster Hall.
This allowed residents to write something positive, encouraging and uplifting to place on the tree for others to take when they need a little pick-me-up.
Puppy Yoga
Puppy yoga returns by very popular demand! 20 minute session of yoga with puppies and a trained yoga instructor, followed by 20 minutes of play and cuddle time.
Resi Life x Security - Hall Roadshows
Your Resi team and Security team up at each hall for freebies and information.
Silent Disco
An exciting evening of music and dancing at our Silent Discos.
Thorpe Park
A day of exhilarating rides with your Resi Life Team.
Warwick Castle Trip
Join your Resi Life team for a fantastic trip to Warwick Castle. With over 1000 years of history, you are sure to have a historical experience. The trip cost £20* per person, including the castle ticket and travel.
*prices are subject to change each year
Welcome Breakfasts
Welcome Breakfast events at our Halls of Residence, a perfect opportunity to kickstart your university journey!
Welcome to Brookes Event
Resi Life, Brookes Sport, Brookes Student Union and ISAT teaming up for a night of fun, socialising, games and activities. This free event is a great way to meet up with friends old and new and have a bit of fun! Activities included:
- spin the wheel
- hook-a-duck
- selfie stations
- crafts
- giant games
Whipsnade Zoo
A fun day out at the zoo - with everything from hippos and elephants to crocodiles!